Local leaders demand end to hate and racism

Local leaders demand end to hate and racism

SPOKANE, Wash. - The violence may be over in Charlottesville but the effects are still echoing in Spokane. Local leaders are demanding an end to hate and racism, especially for the sake of young children.

"It's not okay. It's not okay for our children to be in those type of environments," said Freda Gandy, Executive Director of Spokane's MLK Jr. Family Outreach Center.

Staff are having to answer difficult, uncomfortable questions following the events in Charlottesville.

"The older kids ask questions, because they're older and they're trying to process the world we now live in," said Gandy.

The MLK Center is asking the community to stand up against hate and racism, much like they did back in November when someone spray painted the n-word on the side of the center's van, and building.

"We continue to open our doors for children and families in the Spokane area despite what we've gone through," said Gandy.

Many in Spokane are coming together, demanding respect for all. Hundreds attended a vigil in downtown Spokane Sunday, including Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart.

"It's absolutely unacceptable, and it scares me about what's happening," he said. Stuckart believes it will take more than rallies and vigils to combat racism.

"We can't just continue to sit back and just be outraged," said Stuckart. "We need to make every step, every day, an action that confronts racism."

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